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Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Emmanuel and Derrick at TSU's studios with Genma Holmes on Living Your Best Life Radio

Childhood friends and proud Tennessee State University alums; Clinton Gray, III, Derrick “Mo” Moore and Emmanuel
“EJ” Reed, are no strangers to entrepreneurship. The trailblazing trio are owners
of GT Services, which operated Green Truck Moving, and are proprietors of
the much-touted Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria. Slim & Husky’s, located in
North Nashville at 911 Buchanan Street, has become extremely popular to not only
the North Nashville corridor residents and area employees but also has garnered
a large following throughout Davidson and surrounding counties. With the
explosion of endless positive reviews on Trip Advisor and Yelp, visitors to the
Nashville Area have joined the chorus of singing the praises of eating Slim &
Husky’s delicious pizzas as they check off their bucket lists of Things to Do while visiting Music City.

Emmanuel and Derrick with one of Nashville's pizza 'experts', Alex.

Alex inspecting his pizza.

A happy customer!

Since Slim & Husky’s debuted in
early spring, the lines and loyal customers have grown very rapidly. To see
customers in line at popular restaurants like Pancake Pantry on 21st
Avenue near Vanderbilt is acceptable and makes for many ‘You are so Nashville If’ jokes. Many see it as a badge of honor to stand in the line for hours for breakfast.
However, to see a line appearing around 10:30 am for an African-American owned
establishment barely six months old near TSU makes everyone take note and super
curious to bite into the custom made to order pizzas. The popularity of Slim
& Husky’s, with lines, has the new restaurateurs gearing up for another grand
opening in Antioch in the fall in the former Applebee’s across from Hickory
Hollow Mall and a carryout location with a retail store, The Rollout.

The carryout location will double as
a catering kitchen and will be located on Buchanan Street across from the
flagship restaurant. As if they are slaying all naysayers and putting to bed
any doubt that they know what they are doing, the dynamic trio are also capitalizing
on the Slim & Husky’s social media branding by opening a merchandising
store in the old James Otis hat store. The Rollout will give customers a “taste”
of Slim & Husky’s to wear. If you are
keeping count of the number of the real estate transactions, that is three commercial buildings to date.

A little bit of This and a lot of That!

Yes!

“As
natives of Nashville, we are aware of the developments that have
contributed to the new 'It City' persona. In the midst of our excitement
for Nashville's growth, our team is still focused on providing creative
local concepts to communities that have been overlooked. North Nashville
and Antioch are great examples of these,”stated Gray.

“We could have opened our
restaurants in any area in the city but we were intentional about being in the
locations that we selected. We want to be great entrepreneurs. But we also
focused on economic development. We wanted to bring jobs to North Nashville and
we wanted to be investors in the communities where we were raised and educated.
We are very proud of being able to show that opening a business can happen. Our
success will attract others to follow our lead,” said Moore.

When asked if they were jittery
about opening a restaurant? The answer was an immediate collective, “No, Ma’am!”
“This is not our first rodeo at owning a company,” stated Reed. “We have been
entrepreneurs and a team since 2010. We learned how to research the market. We spent
two years traveling the country learning from others who have been and who are still in the restaurant business. We had a passion and drive to open Slim & Husky’s and we love what we are doing.”Their passion for business and their community shows.

This year, I will be a speaker! I am look forward to sharing how to connect with influencers and brands with award winning campaigns, creative visuals and great story telling.

All About Me:

Genma Stringer Holmes is a serial entrepreneur. She is the owner of Holmes Pest Control, Executive Producer of Living Your Best Life Radio, and the Editor-in-Chief of GSH Publishing. She has created, managed and branded numerous award winning Social Media Campaigns for not-for profits and for-profit organizations. She has won several "Excellence in Communications" Awards and Merit Awards from IABC,
International Association of Business Communicators, for her
editorial work with several print publications and digital communications.

She has managed and created social media campaigns for The Ohio State University, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Houston, Intercultural Cancer Council, University of Tennessee at Memphis,
Meharry Medical College, The Links, Incorporated and the National Day of the American Cowboy to name a few.

Monday, July 10, 2017

On July 6, 2017, Rep. Willie Stevenson Glanton, Iowa’s first Black female legislator died at 95. A Humanitarian and Civil Rights legend,
Rep. Glanton, had many ties to the Nashville community. She and her husband,
Judge Luther T. Glanton, were graduates of Tennessee State University. According
to TSU’s yearbook, Ayeni, Rep.
Glanton graduated in 1942 and her husband, Judge Glanton, graduated in 1939. The
Glantons were aunt and uncle to 1980 TSU alum and local attorney, Luvell Glanton. He credits them for being role models to him as well as other members
of the Glanton family.

In the Ole South, when Black folks were still drinking from
colored only water fountains, could not enter the front door of many
establishments, or even marry outside their race; Rep. Glanton was blazing
trails as a woman and a person of color. She was the first woman elected to the Iowa General Assembly; the first woman to become assistant Polk County attorney; the first woman and first Black person elected president of the Iowa Chapter of
the Federal Bar Association; the first Back attorney at the U.S. Small Business
Administration in 1966 and the first Black member of the Des Moines City
Council in 1985.

Rep. Glanton, a native of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was raised
by her father and mother, a businessman and a teacher, who were very active in
voter registration education with the Negro Civic League. Her early childhood educators
were influencers who encouraged her to attend college. Her abilities to speak and write well led her
to TSU. While at TSU, Rep. Glanton was an excellent student and was a member of
several clubs and collegiate organizations; Personality Torch Bearers, Alba
Rosa Club, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Secretary of Forensic Society, Student
Christian Association, Alpha Iota Business Fraternity, History Study Club and
Miss Arkansas 1941. After graduating with a B.S. in business, Rep. Glanton
spent seven years “having a great time getting to know Washington, D. C.” where
she met leaders like Mary McCloud Bethune. She earned her law degree from
Robert H. Terrell Law School and started working with the U. S. War Department.

Judge Glanton takes the Oath of Office

In 1942, when Rep. Glanton was graduating from TSU, her future
husband, Judge Glanton, was graduating from Drake Law School, where he was the first Black Student. Following
his graduation, Judge Glanton joined the U. S. Army and served as an intelligence
officer during World War II. After the war, he served on the staff of U.S.
chief prosecutor, Robert Jackson, at the Nuremberg trials, which prosecuted
prominent members of Nazi Germany who had participated in executing millions of
Jews during the Holocaust. Judge Glanton
remained active in the U.S. Army Reserves for many years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He later became Iowa's first Black judge in 1959.

When the Glantons started their legal careers after TSU, segregation was deeply woven into the fabric of America. In 1939,
when Judge Glanton graduated, World War II was beginning. In 1942, when Rep.
Glanton graduated and Judge Glanton from Drake University, Blacks were being
lynched throughout the South. In 1948, President Truman outlawed segregation in
the military that Judge Glanton had already served in for six year. By then, Judge Glanton had helped take to trial the Nazis who started WW II.

The Glantons were married in 1951. One year after Rep.
Glanton passed the bar in Iowa in 1953, she became the first woman assistant attorney
in Polk County, Iowa. Judge Glanton was the first Black assistant county attorney
in 1951. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court Ruled on Brown v. Board of Topeka
Kansas. In August 1955, Emmett Till was murdered in Mississippi for allegedly whistling
at a white woman. And, in December 1955, the Montgomery Bus Boycott started. As
the Glantons were setting up their offices and would eventual become a legal power
couple, our country was bursting at the seams with the desperate need for legal
minds to fight segregation and racism in the courtrooms at the local, state,
and federal levels. The Glantons fought segregation and racism on all
fronts, at home and abroad.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott

In 1964, when Rep. Glanton ran for office for the Iowa
General Assembly, Congress
passed the Civil Rights Act, declaring discrimination based on race illegal. The
24th Amendment abolished the poll tax, which originally had been established in
the South after Reconstruction to make it difficult for poor blacks to vote. Even
though those gains were momentous, the fight for equality was met with violence
and indifference. During that same year, three civil rights workers, Chaney,
Goodman, and Schwerner, disappeared in Mississippi. They were found buried six
weeks later.

At the time
she decided to run for public office, Rep. Glanton knew her race would play a major
factor in her bid. Nevertheless, it did not stop her. In a statement to the Carrol Times on July 11, 1964, she
stated, “I am a Negro and I think anyone would be conscious of this.” The paper
goes on to state that she deplored the inevitable speculation that she may be
running just to prove a Negro can be elected. “I think the only way to combat,”
she stopped and began again, “I would hope that the substance of what I had to
say would take care of that.”

She won, of
course. And made headline news around the world.

Luvell Glanton, TSU '80

When Luvell
Glanton was asked about his rich, family’s legacy and the gains they championed for
Human and Civil Rights vs. today’s racial climate of our country, he stated, “My
uncle and aunt would be having a fit! However, they would not be sitting on the
sidelines laying down. They would be actively protesting and helping to make
changes by challenging the injustices that we are seeing. We are not fighting
anymore. We are allowing what we are seeing to happen.” He further stated, “I
attended Drake University because of my uncle who was then a board trustee. He pushed me and made me do what
I needed to do to become successful. We are a family of lawyers and doctors. My son, Luvell, Jr. is a M.D., and my nieces, Jerice Glanton and Syeta Glanton, are lawyers. They followed their examples as well. My
uncle and aunt were very well connected throughout their careers. Many are not aware of this but Attorney General Robert Kennedy wanted him to serve in his
administration had he lived and won.”

In 2004, to honor the Glantons’ leadership, service and commitment to justice and education, Des Moines University established the Luther T. Glanton Jr. and Willie Stevenson Glanton Fund. With donor contributions, the fund provides scholarships for minority students, under-represented in health care, and supports programming that helps all DMU students become more culturally competent health professionals. DMU’s annual Glanton Dinner has since become a signature event that brings together hundreds of people representing civic, business and nonprofit organizations.

The Nashville
ties with the Glantons do not stop with family or TSU. Meharry has a connection as well. Judge Glanton joined the DMU Board of Trustees in 1979; when
he died in 1991, Rep. Glanton took his place on the board and became its chair
in 1999 and served until 2012. When former executive Vice President and provost
of Meharry Medical College, Dr. Angela Walker Franklin, became the 15th
president of DMU in spring 2011, a close friendship developed between the two women.
On the passing of Rep. Glanton, Dr. Franklin stated, “Mrs. Glanton was an
inspiration to so many. She was a trailblazer, an innovator, a champion for
women and minorities, and all around friend and mentor. She meant so much to me
as I assumed my role at DMU. I am there for many reasons. One in particular is
because she was there on the board, an encouraging and supportive spirit.”

Rep.
Glanton was very involved in her church and many civic organizations. She received numerous awards over her lifetime and was
inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 1986 and chosen as on of Des Moines Registers' "10 most influential Black Iowans of the 20th Century."

This segment has become a tradition for Ms. Santa who believes in helping others not only at Christmas but year round. We will talk to choosing last minute gifts for children that includes hot toys that will not break the bank. Ms. Santa aka Genma also encourages ways to back, building traditions by serving others and supporting non-profits that have proven track records for making a difference!

Use you time, talent and treasure to help others. Visit www.livingtogivenow.com to support non-profits to serve communities in the Nashville area and beyond. Join Ms. Santa for her 12 Days of Christmas to support Nia House Montessori Christmas Wish List.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

For many years now, I have worn a Christmas Suit to visit daycares and elementary schools filled with "wee ones" as Ms. Santa. When my son became a Marine nearly eight years ago, my visited expanded to military families and the veteran communities. My two months as Ms. Santa schedule expanded to several months a year to accommodate families who have love ones deployed. I learned that many families delayed Christmas celebrations until dad, mom, sister or brother was back home safely. Christmas was when they returned and not only in December. I have been called often to meet a member at the airport with the family to say welcome home and "Merry Christmas."

My Ms. Santa's duties are pretty simple; bring love and joy. Love and joy have included toys, items needed and wanted, and, most importantly, ears that hear and listen. Being in character is not an act to me, I take my role seriously. Over the years, I have heard requests from children and the young at heart that have made me roar with laughter. I have shared special moments like handing first time grandparents their "new gift" wrapped in a Christmas blanket. I will always cherish witnessing the look on their faces. Every member of the military I have welcomed home, face is chiseled into my memory and every child who only wanted their dad or mom home from battle names are written on my heart. Those requests remind of the time when all I wanted for Christmas was my Marine home. Photo after photo, conversation after conversation, preps me for the wonder and awe of the New Year to come.

Me and my hero, my son.

With each year, I have learned to expect the unexpected and to be prepared to bring comfort to hurting children and families. In 2008, the economic crises and hardship heaped on families were etched in the faces of children. Instead of asking for the new hot toy of the year, little ones remarked about who was jobless in the family. Many children did not ask for a toy but wanted a toy for their younger sibling. My heart ached as I heard one story after another from wee ones about the financial woes of the adults in their lives.

Grace Eaton Child Care in 2009

In 2012, the tragedy of Sandy Hook landed in Ms. Santa's lap. A deranged gunman's actions had shaken the country to its core when he slaughted babies at an elementary school. Five and six year olds asked for bullet proof vests and back packs. A few wanted the vests for their dolls and action figures! I remember several asking me to teach them how to fight a bad guy. As I hugged each one to reassure them that they were loved and everything would be okay, I fought for control of my emotions. I gave out more hugs than toys the final days before Christmas that year.

Bullet proof vests for children.

This year, the tone and tenor of 2016 made its way to my ears and pierced my heart. In November, dolls in pantsuits were hot items. As a matter of fact, many little girls wanted pantsuits not only for themselves, but for moms and grandmas. Baseball caps were in high demand as much as trucks by the boys. As much as those requests made me smile knowingly, there were some requests that made me winch with pain. A little Latina angel confided in me that she did not want her Nana to be taken away from her. When I asked where was Nana going, she said, "I do not know but every one is saying on TV she has to go back." A hug was all I could muster in reply as I looked into her big brown eyes filled with worry. Children should not be worrying about life at five!

One encounter with a child left me bewildered and wondering what will 2017 bring. As I was winding down school parties, I visited a school at the request of a teacher I have known for years. It was my first visit to her school. I brought my winning bag of age appropriate goodies that were engaging; my Santas from around world that I have collected over the years along with my favorite Christmas books that I love to read that are as unique as my Santas. When I entered the room, parents and grandparents were in tow to help celebrate the end of the semester and the start of the holiday break. As I set up my Santas, the children gathered around me with "oohs" and "aahs" that I have come to expect. Several wee ones stared at me with bright smiles that are given to Santas worldwide. As I counted enough ornaments to give away to the fast growing crowd around me, I noticed a family in the back with a child who was not sitting with the others around me. After I sat in the big chair after the teacher introduced me as Ms. Santa, I talked about my Santas from various countries and read several Christmas stories. After reading to the class, I asked about their holiday celebrations that included Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa ventures. I gave out Christmas cards for the children to sign for those who were less fortunate. While some students were signing cards, others stood in line to have their picture taken with me.

Ms. Santa picture by Martin O'Connor

At the exact same time, the child who stayed in back with her family, inched her way towards me. Once she stood near my chair, she looked back over her shoulder at her family and then turned back to me and blurted out loudly, "You are not Santa Claus. You are Black. Santa Claus is White like my Grandpa!" She then turned back to her family who seemed to beam with prided at her bold declaration. But the other children gasped with shock. A hush hit the room. As the classroom became eerily quite, the howls of laughter from the family were deafening. Their back slaps made me physically ill as I watched babies watching their behavior. As their laughter calmed down, the room remained quite as all eyes turned back to me including the teacher and the other adults in the room. With all the fiber in my body, I looked at the child standing in front of me and reached for a Santa that may have resembled her Grandpa. With a smile, I said, "Your grandpa is very handsome if he looks like this Santa." I then handed her a beautiful White angel and shared about my friend who gave it to me. I said, "Her granddaughter looks like you. How old are you?" The more I engaged the child, the more the child talked about her beloved Grandpa to the dismay of her family. When she handed me the angel back, I said, "Please keep it, angles are very special. They protect us from bad things and are reminders to be kind to others."

Villa Place Santa

After regrouping, I began asking the other children if they saw a Santa that looked like their grandfather or grandpa. To their delight, and the relief of the teacher, the children turned their attention to Granddads, Grandpas, and Paw Paws who looked like Santa. The outburst from the back of the room seemed like a foul mist that dissipated quickly once we started discussing all things Christmas while photos were being snapped left and right. Several children gave me extra big hugs as if they were comforting me and a few parents whispered, 'I am so sorry' after they took their child's picture. I have never had an encounter like that with a child or adults as Ms. Santa and I was determined to keep my focus on my duties; to bring love and joy.

As the family who had encourage their child to remind me of how Santa suppose to look was leaving, their wee one waved bye with her new Angel clutched firmly in her hand. I waved back and blew a kiss. My wave and kiss must were doused with angel dust from heaven because suddenly the child ran over to me and gave me the biggest hug ever. That hug brought tears to my eyes as I heard her say boldly, "Have a Merry Christmas Mrs. Claus."As I hugged her back, my eyes locked with her mother. Look at God, I mused to myself.

Later, on my way home, the words of my grandfather, a Civil Rights foot solider from Mississippi, flooded my thoughts, "Children are taught to hate. God does not teach us to hate anyone." I believe the wounds from 2016 will heal but the scars will be visible for sometime. My prayer is for adults to learn and believe words matter. What we say to and about about each other can affect generations to come. I learned from this year, more so than any other year, children not only hear our words but watch our actions and reactions intensively.

Friday, December 9, 2016

After missing a few frantic calls from my girlfriend, Veronica, I called her back Monday morning to hear that Derek Young had passed suddenly on Sunday. Abruptly, I cut my Christmas Military visits short to fly back to Nashville. After speaking briefly to Dee, his sister, I knew I could not stay another day on the road. I needed to see her, right away. I caught the first flight back to Nashville.

Derek D. Young

Derek was not just a dearly loved member of the Nashville Community but he was my maid of honor's only brother and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Young who were like surrogate parents to me. Mr. Young walked me down the aisle many moons ago and Mrs. Young encouraged me as a young wife and mom for years until she joined God's roster of Angels in heaven.

The Youngs in the 80's.

The Youngs have been fixtures in our lives for over 30 years. Deirdre, affectionately known as Dee to me, babysat my crew, and was there for milestones in the lives of my children, the good and the bad. 'Aunt Dee's' brother, Derek, was part of the package of love that came when you are friends with anyone from the Young Clan. You love one, you WILL get to know and love them all! You got two for one and rejoiced that you knew them both. Derek was the life of any one's party and had premium seats at every Holmes' TSU tailgate. He enjoyed my daughter's delicacies and he did not hold back praise for the Bug man's culinary skills. He knew my love of all things Christmas and was not shy of sending me messages saying "do you and do it well." My children often stated, "Mr. Derek was sharp as a tack and cleaner than Clorox."

Mr. Clean!

Derek
and Deidre were the finest examples we could show our kids of how
siblings take care of each other and did we drum that point home often.
As recently as three weeks ago, we mentioned them as an example of pooling resources to make a dollar triple in value with two of the
Holmes. "Work together," I said. "Look at Derek and Deirdre, be like them," with
the firmness of mama who was not accepting of anything less.

Deirdre and Derek

As so many of us are trying accept the reality of Derek's untimely death, let us hold deep in our hearts the wonderful memories that many made with him through the years. Derek's love for his family, his adopted families, his church, his community and his fraternity will be with all of us forever. And ever! Like Derek, let us be committed to living life to the fullest and be intentional about helping others because it is not only right and pleasing to God but because it is a blessing to be a blessing to others! Derek believed with all his heart and soul in being a blessing to others. With purple and gold running through his veins and his trademark infectious smile, Derek will be missed. Dearly.

Derek D. Young's Obituary

Baby Derek, 1961

Christmas 1963

Derek
Dexter Young was born on November 17, 1960 to Robert A. Young and the late
Claudine H. Young.He departed this life
suddenly on December 4, 2016.

Derek’s
early education began in the Wilson and Rutherford County schools and was
completed upon his graduation from Oakland High School. After receiving a
Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Middle Tennessee State
University, Derek began his professional career as a manager for Kroger in 1985.While at Kroger, he built friendships that
lasted his lifetime. Often, Derek spoke of
the good times he shared with the “Covington Crew.”In 2001, Derek began working at Suntrust
Bank, where he matriculated to the position held at his death, an Officer Bank
Support Specialist.

From
November 2005-2012, Derek was united in marriage to Granvisse Earl.

In
April 2000, Derek was initiated into the brotherhood of the Gamma Phi Chapter
of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Being a lifetime member of his
beloved fraternity was a major accomplishment to Derek.

Mr. Young and "the Aunties," Christmas 2015

Derek
was known for his love of family! He put great effort into staying connected
with his loved ones and never missed family events and special occasions.Whether it was a gathering with the Young
Clan or a party for a member of his second family, The Blacks, everyone depended
on Derek to be there. His devotion to his parents was known far and wide. He
was big brother extraordinaire to baby sister, Deidre. And he was a beloved nephew to “the
Aunties.” He made every effort to attend to their needs (and occasional wants).
Every Saturday morning at 9am, Derek would talk to his favorite cousin, Jackie,
to catch up on the week’s events. Derek
loved attending the football games of his godson, Tyler Black, and he was
overjoyed when he learned that Tyler committed to play football at Tennessee State
University!Knowing that Tyler was on
the TSU team made his season ticket subscription that much more special.

New Year, New Attitude!

In
his youth, Derek attended St. John United Methodist Church. He was currently a
member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he served as a dedicated member of the
Mt. Zion Antioch Finance Team for over 13 years.

Nashville's Best Dressed!

Derek
had a keen sense of style that he attributed to his Mother and Aunt Annie.He would always say, “My Momma and Aunt Annie always kept me dressed.” No matter the occasion, you could count on
Derek being fashion forward from head to toe.His great attention to detail and quality was
not only apparent in his attire, but also in his home and his vehicles.He enjoyed nice things and took great care of
what he worked so hard to obtain.

Deirdre and Veronica

Phil 1:3

Derek
will be lovingly remembered by his father, Robert A. Young; his sister, Deirdre
D. Young; his Aunts, Lillian Harding, Jeanetta I. Young, Helen M. Young, and Ida
F. Hicks; his godson, Tyler Black; a host of cousins and friends.

Family visitation: Friday, December 9th at
HELLUM FUNERAL CHAPEL at 611 South Highland Avenue, Murfreesboro, TN
37130 from 5 pm to 7 pm.